Latest news with #MassachusettsDepartmentofEnergyandEnvironmentalAffairs
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Drought conditions improve in western Massachusetts due to recent rainfall
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – With all this rain we've been getting, the drought in western Massachusetts has officially come to an end. Cold water and high river levels pose risks for Memorial Day boating While it may mean a lot of dreary skies and wet days in the Pioneer Valley, we can be glad to know that things are returning to normal in our area, according to the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). That means lower risk for forest fires and better water flow throughout the region. Drought conditions continue to affect groundwater levels, however, which typically take longer to recover. The Islands and Southeast Regions still remain at level 1, Mild Drought. Most regions received around 4-6 inches of rain so far this month, while the Cape and Islands saw 1.5-3 inches. 'It is encouraging to see conditions improving and drought lifting in several regions,' said EEA Secretary Tepper. 'While some areas still need time to recover, especially groundwater, this progress is a reminder of how important it is to keep using water wisely as we head into the planting season.' The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on June 9th at 1:00 p.m. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA's drought and water conservation pages. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Drought conditions in western Mass. rise to critical level
BOSTON (WWLP) – Despite recent snow and rain, Massachusetts continues to see drought conditions across the state. According to the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) the Connecticut River Valley region has been raised to a Level 3 Critical Drought. The western region has been raised to a Level 2 Significant Drought. A look at the mild weather ahead of spring The state received between two to four inches of rain and snow over the past month, which is 1-1.5 inches below normal. Freezing temperatures and frozen ground have prevented snowmelt from soaking through. Even with recent snowmelt, streamflow and groundwater have worsened in nearly all regions, and recharge that typically occurs at this time of the year to reservoirs and groundwater is diminished. 'The recent rain and snowfall are a welcome reprieve from the drought we have been experiencing,' said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. 'However, it has not been enough to replenish our groundwater. As the growing season approaches, it is vital that everyone continues to follow state guidance and local water restrictions to ensure water is available for our essential needs.' The state is urging residents and businesses to participate in water conservation efforts. Residents can report dry environmental conditions they are experiencing and submit photos to support state drought monitoring efforts here. The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on April 8 at 10:00 a.m. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA's drought and water conservation pages. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
